NT-Bodnant Gardens & Sculpture Park

*PLEASE NOTE-ONLINE BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE*

 

 

Bodnant Gardens, a lush, 80-acre estate in North Wales, is a garden like no other, shaped over 150 years by passionate horticulturists and plant collectors. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia, the gardens offer an enchanting blend of natural beauty and human artistry, making it a place of both tranquillity and wonder.

 

The story of Bodnant Gardens is one of exploration and discovery. Founded in the 19th century by the prominent industrialist and plant collector Henry Pochin, the garden has since grown into a living testament to his passion for bringing plants from all corners of the world to Britain. Over the years, countless plant varieties—many rare and unusual—have been added to the garden, making Bodnant a haven for botany enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The garden boasts collections from as far afield as China, North America, and the Himalayas, many of which thrive in its varied microclimates.

 

As you wander through the garden’s beautifully landscaped grounds, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of seasonal colour. Spring is a particularly magical time at Bodnant, when the garden bursts into bloom with drifts of narcissus, bluebells, and primroses, followed by the spectacular sight of rhododendrons and azaleas in the late spring. Summer brings a vibrant kaleidoscope of flowers, from roses in the Italianate terrace garden to the soft hues of lavender and salvias. Autumn arrives with a brilliant display of warm colours as the trees turn to gold, orange, and red, while winter in the garden is equally charming, with the structure of bare trees and the quiet beauty of evergreens.

 

The garden is divided into a series of distinct areas, each with its own character. The Italianate terraces, with their formal design and stunning views, offer a perfect spot to relax and take in the surrounding landscape. The wild, naturalistic design of the Dell, with its meandering streams, moss-covered stone steps, and towering trees, creates a sense of peaceful solitude. Meanwhile, the Laburnum Arch—a golden tunnel of blossom—offers one of the garden’s most iconic and photographed views, especially when in full bloom in late spring.

 

 Bodnant Gardens is also a place to pause and enjoy the quiet serenity of the landscape. The sound of birdsong and the rustling of leaves combine with the distant views of the Carneddau mountains to create an atmosphere of calm that is truly restorative. Whether you’re strolling along the carefully maintained paths, sitting by one of the ponds, or enjoying a cup of tea in the garden’s café, Bodnant invites visitors to slow down and connect with nature.

 

One of the highlights of Bodnant is its ability to offer year-round colour and interest, making it a garden that can be visited in any season. The winter months, often a quieter time in many gardens, showcase a whole new side of Bodnant’s beauty, from the delicate buds of early spring flowers to the vibrant reds and golds of autumnal foliage that linger well into December. For those visiting in winter, the garden's stillness is a unique experience, with frost-kissed leaves and a quiet air that makes the landscape feel almost magical.

 

A trip to Bodnant Gardens is not only an opportunity to witness an extraordinary collection of plants but also a chance to experience a space of peace and rejuvenation. With its stunning location, rich history, and exceptional horticultural expertise, Bodnant is a garden for all ages—whether you're a passionate gardener, a nature lover, or simply someone looking to find a moment of tranquillity amid the beauty of the Welsh landscape.

 

 

2.Shropshire Sculpture Park (British Iron Works )-

 

This is a must-see award-winning, 5* day out with over 60 acres of land to explore. Including a café, ice-cream parlour, shopping, a sculpture park, seasonal events and an outdoor children’s adventure play, there really is something for everyone here!

Best known for incredible sculptures, with various pieces of art and points-of-interest to see and enjoy as you wander around the Centre. Famous for the knife angel and, more recently, the gorilla apocalypse, the centre is the ideal location to spend some much-needed time outdoors, walking the grounds and exploring the metal safari park at your own pace.

 

CAFÉ AND DINING

There is a large café and ice-cream parlour offering a full breakfast, lunch and hot drinks menu. The food and drinks are all homemade by our team of dedicated, in-house chefs using fresh, locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Additionally, we offer a dessert and scone counter where you will find a selection of mouth-watering cakes, traybakes and seasonal sweet treats to tempt you. We also have live music every weekend for you to enjoy whilst you dine.

SHOPPING & ARTISAN RETAIL

There is a beautiful variety of shopping outlets, from home and interiors to hardware and garden. There are also an eclectic variety of handmade sculptures and artwork created by artisans from across the country. Remember to visit our Artisan Village where you can see various artists, including a potter and blacksmith, at work in their studio spaces!

Decorative ironwork centre showcasing items from suits of armour to animal sculptures and lamps.Guests and visitors are welcomed into the quirky indoor showroom.  It's simply packed with all manner of interesting and unusual items, cookware, and old vintage items for almost every room of the home, gifts. Also feel free to relax with a freshly brewed tea or coffee and browse at your leisure.Outside you will be greeted by majestic giraffes, stalking lioness, a fearsome alligator and  utterly magnificent African elephants along with many many other stunning life-sized animals.

Take a seat on one of the many charming iron  garden benches and swing seats,  and take in the  vast and beautiful collection of outdoor sculptures and garden decorations.

 

 

Prices:

> Adult (16+)    £27.00

> Senior (60+)  £26.00

 

What's Included?

 

> National Trust Member: *Free Entry with Valid National Trust Membership*

> Non-Member *Admission/Entry Payable on day at TBC  *

 

Joining Points – Route Code A

07:04 – Weoley Castle

07:06 – Selly Oak

07:10 – Bournville

07:14 – Cotteridge

07:18 – Bunbury Road

07:22 – Northfield

07:28 – Longbridge

07:34 – Rubery Great Park

07:41 – Kitwell

07:43 – Woodgate Service Station

07:45 – Kent Road, Manor Vets

07:47 – Kent Road, Stag & Three Horseshoes

07:53 – Blackheath

08:00 – Halesowen

 

See 'Pick-up Points' above for map of exact pick-up locations and times.

 

Thanks to National Trust , Derek Hatton and Paul Harris for supplying images

Bodnant Garden Website Sculpture park website